US20070299311A1 - Endoscope insertion portion - Google Patents
Endoscope insertion portion Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070299311A1 US20070299311A1 US11/765,854 US76585407A US2007299311A1 US 20070299311 A1 US20070299311 A1 US 20070299311A1 US 76585407 A US76585407 A US 76585407A US 2007299311 A1 US2007299311 A1 US 2007299311A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- end side
- distal end
- proximal end
- bending
- wire guide
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
- A61B1/00071—Insertion part of the endoscope body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/005—Flexible endoscopes
- A61B1/0051—Flexible endoscopes with controlled bending of insertion part
- A61B1/0057—Constructional details of force transmission elements, e.g. control wires
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an endoscope insertion portion including a bending portion to be operated to be bent.
- An endoscope insertion portion is formed by connecting a distal end rigid portion, a bending portion to be operated to be bent, and a long insertion tube portion sequentially from the distal end side.
- An operation wire to be operated to be moved forward and backward to operate the bending portion to be bent is inserted through the insertion portion.
- the operation wire is inserted through a wire guide in at least the insertion tube portion, and prevents damages of built-in members caused by friction with the operation wire.
- the wire guide is extended from the insertion tube portion into the bending portion, and the distal end of the wire guide is fixed in the bending portion.
- the wire guide functions as a tension rod and prevents bending of the bending portion. Namely, in the bending portion, a part provided with the wire guide is not bent, and a part not provided with the wire guide is bent.
- an endoscope insertion portion includes: an insertion tube portion; a bending portion which is connected to a distal end of the insertion tube portion, and is operated to be bent; an operation wire which is inserted through the bending portion and insertion tube portion, and is operated to be moved forward and backward to operate the bending portion to be bent; a distal end side wire guide which is provided over a distal end side of the operation wire, and a portion of which is fixed to the bending portion; a proximal end side wire guide which is provided over a proximal end side of the operation wire, and a portion of which is fixed to the insertion tube portion; a distal end side abutting portion provided at a proximal end of the distal end side wire guide; and a proximal end side abutting portion which is provided at a distal end of the proximal end side wire guide, and brought into abutment with the distal end side abutting portion when the operation wire is moved
- an endoscope in another aspect of the present invention, includes the endoscope insertion portion including: an insertion tube portion; a bending portion which is connected to a distal end of the insertion tube portion, and is operated to be bent; an operation wire which is inserted through the bending portion and insertion tube portion, and is operated to be moved forward and backward to operate the bending portion to be bent; a distal end side wire guide which is provided over a distal end side of the operation wire, and a portion of which is fixed to the bending portion; a proximal end side wire guide which is provided over a proximal end side of the operation wire, and a portion of which is fixed to the insertion tube portion; a distal end side abutting portion provided at a proximal end of the distal end side wire guide; and a proximal end side abutting portion which is provided at a distal end of the proximal end side wire guide, and brought into abutment with the distal end side abutting portion
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an insertion portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an observation optical system of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 4 is a front view showing a distal end rigid portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view showing an insertion tube portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 6A is a schematic view showing a bending operation with a relatively small radius of curvature of the bending portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 6B is a schematic view showing a bending operation with a relatively large radius of curvature of the bending portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a distal end side wire guide and a proximal end side wire guide of an endoscope according to a second embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a distal end side wire guide and a proximal end side wire guide of an endoscope of a modification of the second embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 1 to 6 B A first embodiment of the invention will be explained hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 B.
- an endoscope 10 includes an elongated insertion portion 12 to be inserted into a body cavity.
- the insertion portion 12 is formed by connecting a distal end rigid portion 13 , a bending portion 14 to be operated to be bent and a long insertion tube portion 16 sequentially from the distal end side.
- a control portion 18 held and operated by an operator is connected to the proximal end of the insertion portion 12 .
- an accessory insertion inlet 20 for inserting an accessory is provided in the distal end portion of the control portion 18 .
- the middle portion of the control portion 18 is a grip portion 22 to be gripped by an operator.
- a bending operation knob 24 for operating the bending portion 14 to be bend and an air/water supply button 26 for supplying air and water from the distal end of the insertion portion 12 are provided in the proximal end part of the control portion 18 .
- a universal cable 28 is extended from the proximal end of the control portion 18 .
- the universal cable 28 connects the endoscope 10 to a light source apparatus, a video processor, and an air/water supply apparatus.
- the bending mechanism of the bending portion 14 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 .
- a number of substantially cylindrical bending parts 30 are provided side by side, rotatably and coaxially to each other in the bending portion 14 .
- a pair of tongue pieces is projected symmetrically to the central axis of the bending part 30 at both end faces of each bending part 30 , and a pair of tongue pieces of both of adjacent bending parts 30 are overlaid and rotatably connected with rivets to each other.
- the rotating direction of a pair of adjacent bending parts 30 common to each pair of adjacent bending parts 30 , and the bending portion 14 can be bent in two i.e. up-and-down directions.
- the distal end bending part 30 is connected to a distal end rigid member 32 forming a distal end rigid portion 13 , and the proximal end bending part 30 is connected to a connection ring 34 of the distal end portion of the insertion tube portion 16 .
- An upward operation wire 36 a and downward operation wire 36 b to operate the bending portion 14 to be bent up and down are inserted through the insertion portion 12 .
- the distal end of the upward operation wire 36 a is fixed to the distal end bending part 30 .
- the upward operation wire 36 a is inserted through and guided along a wire insertion hole 38 formed generally in the upper position in the bending part 30 .
- the upward operation wire 36 a is inserted through a distal end side wire guide 40 a in the proximal end side of the bending portion 14 , and inserted through a proximal end side wire guide 40 b in the insertion tube portion 16 .
- a coil sheath is used for the distal end side wire guide 40 a and proximal end side wire guide 40 b.
- a resin tube may be used instead of the wire guide 40 .
- the distal end of the distal end side wire guide 40 a is fixed to the inside surface of the bending part 30 at the middle of the bending portion 14 .
- the distal end of the proximal end side wire guide 40 b is fixed to the inside surface of the connection ring 34 in the distal end portion of the insertion tube portion 16 .
- a distal end side flat portion 44 a and a proximal end side flat portion 44 b substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the upward operation wire 36 a are provided as a distal end side abutting portion and a proximal end side abutting portion, respectively.
- the distal end side flat portion 44 a and proximal end side flat portion 44 b are formed by applying solder or adhesive to a part of a coil sheath, hardening the solder or adhesive, cutting this part, and processing the cut surface to be flat. Epoxy resin is preferable as adhesive.
- the distal end side flat portion 44 a and proximal end side flat portion 44 b are usually separated very little (shown emphasizing a clearance in FIG. 2 ).
- the distal end side flat portion 44 a and proximal end side flat portion 44 b abut to each other, and connect the distal end side wire guide 40 a and proximal end side wire guide 40 b.
- the distal end side wire guide 40 a and proximal end side wire guide 40 b function as a tension rod, and prevents bending of the bending portion 14 . Therefore, the bending portion 14 is not bent in the upward direction in the proximal end side where the distal end side wire guide 40 a is provided. In this way, by the backward movement of the upward operation wire 36 a, the bending portion 14 is bent upward with a relatively small radius of curvature.
- the distal end of the downward operation wire 36 b is also fixed to the distal end bending part 30 .
- the downward operation wire 36 b is inserted through the wire insertion hole 38 formed generally at a lower position in the bending part 30 .
- the downward operation wire 36 b is inserted through a wire guide 40 .
- a coil sheath is used for the wire guide 40 .
- the distal end of the wire guide 40 is fixed to the inside surface of the ring 34 in the distal end portion of the insertion tube portion 16 .
- an illumination lens 46 is mounted with its distal end face exposed.
- the distal end of a light guide 48 for transmitting illumination light is connected to the proximal end face of the illumination lens 46 .
- the light guide 48 is inserted through the insertion portion 12 , control portion 18 and universal cable 28 , and connected to the light source apparatus, so that the illumination light is transmitted from the light source apparatus to the illumination lens 46 through the light guide 48 .
- an objective lens system 50 is mounted with its distal end face exposed.
- the distal end of an image guide 52 for transmitting an observation image is connected to the proximal end face of the objective lens system 50 .
- the image guide 52 is inserted through the insertion portion 12 and control portion 18 , and connected to the image pick up unit in the control portion 18 .
- the image pick up unit pickups an observation image, and outputs an image signal to the video processor through a signal line inserted through the universal cable 28 .
- the distal end portion of a channel tube 56 forming an accessory channel 54 is fixed to the distal end rigid portion 13 .
- the accessory channel 54 is extended through the insertion portion 12 and control portion 18 , and connected to the accessory insertion inlet 20 of the control portion 18 .
- the accessory channel 54 serves also as an air/water supplying channel in the insertion portion 12 . Namely, in the control portion 18 , the channel tube 56 is branched, and one of the branched tubes is connected to the accessory insertion inlet 20 , and the other is inserted through the universal cable 28 and connected to the air/water supplying apparatus.
- the bending portion 14 is bent to two directions with different radius of curvatures.
- the accessory channel 54 is arranged to be placed outside when bending with a small radius of curvature. Namely, the accessory channel 54 is placed underside in the transverse cross-section of the insertion portion 12 . Therefore, when the bending portion 14 is bent with a small radius of curvature, the radius of curvature of the accessory channel 54 does not become so small.
- the accessory channel 54 and objective lens system 50 are arranged in the transverse cross-section of the distal end rigid portion 13 , so that the distance between the central axis of the accessory channel 54 and objective lens system 50 becomes short in a bending direction. Namely, the accessory channel 54 and objective lens system 50 are not arranged adjacent in the vertical direction, and the objective lens system 50 is arranged in the upper left of the accessory channel 54 . Therefore, the projected position of the accessory from the accessory channel 54 comes closer to the central axis of the objective lens system 50 , and the accessory comes closer to the center of observation view field in the observation view field.
- stopper members 58 to prevent twisting of the built-in members 48 , 52 and 56 are provided at certain intervals in the longitudinal direction of the insertion tube portion 16 .
- the stopper member has a thick cylindrical shape including projections and depressions on the inside surface.
- the built-in members 48 , 52 and 56 are fitted into the projections and recessions, and prevented from twisting.
- the stopper member 58 may be provided along the total length of the insertion tube portion 16 , or the built-in members 48 , 52 and 56 may be provided with projections and recessions to prevent twisting.
- the inside diameter of the insertion tube portion 16 is gradually increased from the distal end side to the proximal end side. Therefore, in the proximal end side of the insertion tube portion 16 , a clearance between the inside surface of the insertion tube and the built-in members 48 , 52 and 56 is large.
- the bending operation knob 24 is operated, and the upward operation wire 36 a is moved backward.
- the distal end side flat portion 44 a of the distal end side wire guide 40 a abuts the proximal end side flat portion 44 b of the proximal end side wire guide 40 b, and both wire guides are connected.
- the distal end side wire guide 40 a and proximal end side wire guide 40 b function as a tension rod.
- the bending portion 14 is not bent in the proximal end side where the distal end side wire guide 40 a is provided, and bent in the distal end side where the distal end wire guide 40 a is not provided. In this way, the bending portion 14 is bent upward with a relatively small radius of curvature.
- the bending operation knob 24 is operated, and the downward operation wire 36 b is moved backward, and the whole bending portion 14 is bend in the downward direction.
- the distal end side wire guide 40 a is moved following the bending part 30 fixed to the distal end side wire guide 40 a without being pulled by the proximal end side wire guide 40 b, and the distal end side wire guide 40 a is not moved toward the central axis of the bending portion 14 . In this way, the bending portion 14 is bent downward with a relatively large radius of curvature.
- the distal end side wire guide 40 a is not configured to be pushed into the insertion portion 12 , and does not generate a repulsive force against push. Therefore, the bending portion 14 is not unnecessarily bent by the repulsive force.
- the built-in members 48 , 52 and 56 with the distal ends fixed to the distal end rigid portion 13 are moved forward and backward in the axial direction of the insertion portion 12 inside the insertion portion 12 .
- the inside diameter of the insertion tube portion 16 is gradually increased from the distal end side to the proximal end side and the clearance between the inside surface of the insertion tube and the built-in members 48 , 52 and 56 is large in the proximal end side, the built-in members 48 , 52 and 56 can be moved forward and backward smoothly inside the insertion portion 12 .
- the built-in members 48 , 52 and 56 are rarely twisted during forward/backward movements, and the built-in members 48 , 52 and 56 are moved forward and backward more smoothly inside the insertion portion 12 .
- the accessory 59 When treating an affected part under endoscopic observation, the accessory 59 is inserted into the accessory insertion inlet 20 , passed through the accessory channel 54 , and then the distal end of the accessory 59 is projected from the distal end rigid portion 13 .
- the bending portion 14 When the bending portion 14 is bent upward, the radius of curvature of the bending portion 14 becomes relatively small, but as the accessory channel 54 is placed outside, the radius of curvature of the accessory channel 54 becomes not so small. Therefore, the accessory 59 can be inserted smoothly from the proximal end side to the distal end side of the bending portion 14 and, when the bending portion 14 is bent with the accessory 59 inserted through the bending portion, excessive force is not applied to the accessory 59 .
- the distal end portion of the accessory 59 is projected from the distal end rigid portion 13 , and the treatment is performed while the accessory 59 and the affected part are observed.
- the inside diameter of the accessory channel 54 is greater than the outside diameter of the accessory 59 , and when the bending portion 14 is bent, the accessory 59 is not projected parallel toward the central axis of the insertion portion 12 and obliquely projected by the force of the accessory 59 returning itself straight.
- the accessory 59 is projected close to the center of the observation view field of the objective lens system 50 arranged more inside than the accessory channel 54 ( FIG. 6B ).
- the accessory 59 is projected separating from the center of the observation view field of the objective lens system 50 ( FIG. 6A ).
- the distance between the central axis of the accessory channel 54 and objective lens system is short in the bending direction, and the projected position of the accessory 59 from the accessory channel 54 closes to the central axis of the objective lens system 50 . Therefore, even if the accessory 59 is projected separating from the center of the observation view field of the objective lens system 50 , the accessory 59 is not extremely separated from the center of the observation view field.
- the endoscope insertion portion 12 provides the following effects.
- the distal end side flat portion 44 a and proximal end side flat portion 44 b abut to each other, and the distal end side wire guide 40 a functions as a tension rod and prevents bending of the bending portion 14 .
- the distal end side wire guide 40 a is moved without being pulled by the proximal end side wire guide 40 b, and the distal end side wire guide 40 a is prevented from moving toward the central axis of the bending portion 14 .
- distal end side wire guide 40 a is not configured to be pushed into the insertion portion 12 , and the bending portion 14 is prevented from being unnecessarily bent by a repulsive force against push generated in the distal end side wire guide 40 a.
- the endoscope insertion portion 12 according to the embodiment, necessary and appropriate bending operation is possible, and the built-in members 48 , 52 , and 56 are prevented from being damaged.
- the distal end side flat portion 44 a and proximal end side flat portion 44 b abutting to each other are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the upward operation wire 36 a, and they are rarely displaced when abutting to each other, compared with the case where they are inclined to the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the tension rod function of the distal end side wire guide 40 a and proximal end side wire guide 40 b is sufficiently ensured.
- the distal end side flat portion 44 a and proximal end side flat portion 44 b are formed by using solder or adhesive, and an attachment mechanism can be omitted, compared with the case where these portions are formed by attaching a separate member to the distal end side wire guide 40 a and proximal end side wire guide 40 b. Therefore, upsizing of the distal end side flat portion 44 a and proximal end side flat portion 44 b can be avoided.
- the wire guide 40 is made of a coil sheath
- the cut portion of the wire is exposed, and the cut portion of the coil sheath cannot be used for the abutting portion.
- an optimum abutting portion can be obtained by applying solder or adhesive to a portion of a coil sheath, hardening the solder or adhesive, cutting this portion, and processing the cut surface to be flat.
- the inside diameter of the insertion tube portion 16 is gradually increased from the distal end side to the proximal end side, and the clearance between the inside surface of the insertion tube and the built-in members 48 , 52 and 56 is large in the proximal end side of the insertion tube portion 16 . Further, in the insertion tube portion 16 , the stopper member 58 is used to prevent twisting of the built-in members 48 , 52 and 56 .
- the built-in members 48 , 52 and 56 can be moved forward and backward smoothly in the insertion portion 12 , mutual friction of the built-in members 48 , 52 and 56 and breakage of the built-in members 48 , 52 and 56 are avoided, and the built-in members 48 , 52 and 56 are prevented from being damaged during the bending operation.
- the accessory channel 54 is placed outside when the bending portion 14 is bent with a small radius of curvature, and the radius of curvature of the accessory channel 54 does not become so small. Therefore, when the bending portion 14 is bent, the accessory 59 can be inserted smoothly, and excessive force is not applied to the accessory 59 .
- the distance between the central axis of the accessory channel 54 and objective lens system 50 is short in the bending direction.
- the accessory 59 is projected separating from the center of the observation view field of the objective lens system 50 , but as the projected position of the accessory 59 from the accessory channel 54 is close to the central axis of the objective lens system 50 , the accessory 59 is not greatly separated from the center of the observation view field. Therefore, the accessory 59 can be visually confirmed securely.
- the accessory channel 54 when the bending portion 14 is bent with a small radius of curvature, the accessory channel 54 is placed outside, and the radius of curvature of the accessory channel 54 does not becomes so small.
- the image guide 52 may be arranged to be placed outside when the bending portion 14 is bent with a small radius of curvature, so that the radius of curvature of the image guide 52 does not become so small. In this case, it is possible to protect the image guide 52 , which is relatively easily damaged by the bending and the function is degraded by the damage.
- FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the invention.
- the components having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numbers, and explanation will be omitted.
- a distal end engaging portion 60 a and a proximal end engaging portion 60 b abutting and engaging to each other are used as the distal end side abutting portion and the proximal end side abutting portion.
- These distal end side engaging portion 60 a and proximal end side engaging portion 60 b are formed by providing a substantially cylindrical distal end side engaging member 62 a and proximal end side engaging member 62 b as a distal end side abutting member and a proximal end side abutting member, respectively over the proximal end of the distal end side wire guide 40 a and the distal end of the proximal end side wire guide 40 b and fixing them thereto.
- the proximal end of the distal end side engaging portion 60 a is shaped like a semicircular projection, and the distal end of the proximal end side engaging portion 60 b is shaped like a semicircular recession.
- the endoscope insertion portion 12 provides the following effects.
- the distal end side engaging portion 60 a and proximal end side engaging portion 60 b are engaged to each other when abutting, and the distal end side engaging portion 60 a and proximal end side engaging portion 60 b are sufficiently prevented from being displaced when abutting. Therefore, the function as a tension rod of the distal end side wire guide 40 a and proximal end side wire guide 40 b is ensured.
- distal end side engaging portion 60 a and proximal end side engaging portion 60 b are formed by providing the distal end side engaging member 62 a and proximal end side engaging member 62 b, respectively at the ends of the distal end side wire guide 40 a and proximal end side wire guide 40 b, complex shaped distal end side engaging portion 60 a and proximal end side engaging portion 60 b can be easily formed.
- FIG. 8 shows a modification of the second embodiment of the invention.
- the proximal end of the distal end side engaging portion 60 a is shaped like a triangular projection
- the distal end of the proximal end side engaging portion 60 b is shaped like a triangular recession.
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Abstract
Description
- This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-173982, filed Jun. 23, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to an endoscope insertion portion including a bending portion to be operated to be bent.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- An endoscope insertion portion is formed by connecting a distal end rigid portion, a bending portion to be operated to be bent, and a long insertion tube portion sequentially from the distal end side. An operation wire to be operated to be moved forward and backward to operate the bending portion to be bent is inserted through the insertion portion. The operation wire is inserted through a wire guide in at least the insertion tube portion, and prevents damages of built-in members caused by friction with the operation wire.
- In the endoscope disclosed in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2006-68393, the wire guide is extended from the insertion tube portion into the bending portion, and the distal end of the wire guide is fixed in the bending portion. When bending the bending portion by moving the operation wire backward, the wire guide functions as a tension rod and prevents bending of the bending portion. Namely, in the bending portion, a part provided with the wire guide is not bent, and a part not provided with the wire guide is bent.
- In an aspect of the present invention, an endoscope insertion portion includes: an insertion tube portion; a bending portion which is connected to a distal end of the insertion tube portion, and is operated to be bent; an operation wire which is inserted through the bending portion and insertion tube portion, and is operated to be moved forward and backward to operate the bending portion to be bent; a distal end side wire guide which is provided over a distal end side of the operation wire, and a portion of which is fixed to the bending portion; a proximal end side wire guide which is provided over a proximal end side of the operation wire, and a portion of which is fixed to the insertion tube portion; a distal end side abutting portion provided at a proximal end of the distal end side wire guide; and a proximal end side abutting portion which is provided at a distal end of the proximal end side wire guide, and brought into abutment with the distal end side abutting portion when the operation wire is moved backward so that the bending portion is bent.
- In another aspect of the present invention, an endoscope includes the endoscope insertion portion including: an insertion tube portion; a bending portion which is connected to a distal end of the insertion tube portion, and is operated to be bent; an operation wire which is inserted through the bending portion and insertion tube portion, and is operated to be moved forward and backward to operate the bending portion to be bent; a distal end side wire guide which is provided over a distal end side of the operation wire, and a portion of which is fixed to the bending portion; a proximal end side wire guide which is provided over a proximal end side of the operation wire, and a portion of which is fixed to the insertion tube portion; a distal end side abutting portion provided at a proximal end of the distal end side wire guide; and a proximal end side abutting portion which is provided at a distal end of the proximal end side wire guide, and brought into abutment with the distal end side abutting portion when the operation wire is moved backward so that the bending portion is bent.
- The accompanying drawings, which are mounted in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an insertion portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an observation optical system of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 4 is a front view showing a distal end rigid portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view showing an insertion tube portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 6A is a schematic view showing a bending operation with a relatively small radius of curvature of the bending portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 6B is a schematic view showing a bending operation with a relatively large radius of curvature of the bending portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a distal end side wire guide and a proximal end side wire guide of an endoscope according to a second embodiment of the invention; and -
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a distal end side wire guide and a proximal end side wire guide of an endoscope of a modification of the second embodiment of the invention. - A first embodiment of the invention will be explained hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6B.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , anendoscope 10 according to the embodiment includes anelongated insertion portion 12 to be inserted into a body cavity. Theinsertion portion 12 is formed by connecting a distal endrigid portion 13, abending portion 14 to be operated to be bent and a longinsertion tube portion 16 sequentially from the distal end side. Acontrol portion 18 held and operated by an operator is connected to the proximal end of theinsertion portion 12. In the distal end portion of thecontrol portion 18, an accessory insertion inlet 20 for inserting an accessory is provided. The middle portion of thecontrol portion 18 is agrip portion 22 to be gripped by an operator. In the proximal end part of thecontrol portion 18, abending operation knob 24 for operating thebending portion 14 to be bend and an air/water supply button 26 for supplying air and water from the distal end of theinsertion portion 12 are provided. Auniversal cable 28 is extended from the proximal end of thecontrol portion 18. Theuniversal cable 28 connects theendoscope 10 to a light source apparatus, a video processor, and an air/water supply apparatus. - The bending mechanism of the
bending portion 14 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. - A number of substantially
cylindrical bending parts 30 are provided side by side, rotatably and coaxially to each other in thebending portion 14. Namely, a pair of tongue pieces is projected symmetrically to the central axis of thebending part 30 at both end faces of eachbending part 30, and a pair of tongue pieces of both ofadjacent bending parts 30 are overlaid and rotatably connected with rivets to each other. The rotating direction of a pair ofadjacent bending parts 30 common to each pair ofadjacent bending parts 30, and thebending portion 14 can be bent in two i.e. up-and-down directions. The distalend bending part 30 is connected to a distal endrigid member 32 forming a distal endrigid portion 13, and the proximalend bending part 30 is connected to aconnection ring 34 of the distal end portion of theinsertion tube portion 16. - An
upward operation wire 36 a anddownward operation wire 36 b to operate thebending portion 14 to be bent up and down are inserted through theinsertion portion 12. - The distal end of the
upward operation wire 36 a is fixed to the distalend bending part 30. Theupward operation wire 36 a is inserted through and guided along awire insertion hole 38 formed generally in the upper position in thebending part 30. Theupward operation wire 36 a is inserted through a distal endside wire guide 40 a in the proximal end side of thebending portion 14, and inserted through a proximal endside wire guide 40 b in theinsertion tube portion 16. In the embodiment, a coil sheath is used for the distal endside wire guide 40 a and proximal endside wire guide 40 b. A resin tube may be used instead of thewire guide 40. The distal end of the distal endside wire guide 40 a is fixed to the inside surface of thebending part 30 at the middle of thebending portion 14. The distal end of the proximal endside wire guide 40 b is fixed to the inside surface of theconnection ring 34 in the distal end portion of theinsertion tube portion 16. - At the proximal end of the distal end
side wire guide 40 a and at the distal end of the proximal endside wire guide 40 b, a distal end sideflat portion 44 a and a proximal end sideflat portion 44 b substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of theupward operation wire 36 a are provided as a distal end side abutting portion and a proximal end side abutting portion, respectively. In the embodiment, the distal end sideflat portion 44 a and proximal end sideflat portion 44 b are formed by applying solder or adhesive to a part of a coil sheath, hardening the solder or adhesive, cutting this part, and processing the cut surface to be flat. Epoxy resin is preferable as adhesive. The distal end sideflat portion 44 a and proximal end sideflat portion 44 b are usually separated very little (shown emphasizing a clearance inFIG. 2 ). When theupward operation wire 36 a is moved backward, the distal end sideflat portion 44 a and proximal end sideflat portion 44 b abut to each other, and connect the distal endside wire guide 40 a and proximal endside wire guide 40 b. As a result, the distal end side wire guide 40 a and proximal endside wire guide 40 b function as a tension rod, and prevents bending of thebending portion 14. Therefore, thebending portion 14 is not bent in the upward direction in the proximal end side where the distal endside wire guide 40 a is provided. In this way, by the backward movement of theupward operation wire 36 a, thebending portion 14 is bent upward with a relatively small radius of curvature. - The distal end of the
downward operation wire 36 b is also fixed to the distalend bending part 30. In the bendingportion 14, thedownward operation wire 36 b is inserted through thewire insertion hole 38 formed generally at a lower position in the bendingpart 30. In theinsertion tube portion 16, thedownward operation wire 36 b is inserted through awire guide 40. In the embodiment, a coil sheath is used for thewire guide 40. The distal end of thewire guide 40 is fixed to the inside surface of thering 34 in the distal end portion of theinsertion tube portion 16. When thedownward operation wire 36 b is moved backward, the distal end side wire guide 40 a of theupward operation wire 36 a is moved following the bendingpart 30 where the distal end side wire guide 40 a is fixed, without being pulled by the proximal endside wire guide 40 b, and thewhole bending portion 14 is bent downward. In this way, by the backward movement of thedownward operation wire 36 b, the bendingportion 14 is bent downward with a relatively large radius of curvature. - The other built-in members of the
insertion portion 12 will be explained hereinafter. - In the distal end face portion of the distal end
rigid portion 13, anillumination lens 46 is mounted with its distal end face exposed. The distal end of alight guide 48 for transmitting illumination light is connected to the proximal end face of theillumination lens 46. Thelight guide 48 is inserted through theinsertion portion 12,control portion 18 anduniversal cable 28, and connected to the light source apparatus, so that the illumination light is transmitted from the light source apparatus to theillumination lens 46 through thelight guide 48. - In the distal end face portion of the distal end
rigid portion 13, anobjective lens system 50 is mounted with its distal end face exposed. The distal end of animage guide 52 for transmitting an observation image is connected to the proximal end face of theobjective lens system 50. Theimage guide 52 is inserted through theinsertion portion 12 andcontrol portion 18, and connected to the image pick up unit in thecontrol portion 18. The image pick up unit pickups an observation image, and outputs an image signal to the video processor through a signal line inserted through theuniversal cable 28. - The distal end portion of a
channel tube 56 forming anaccessory channel 54 is fixed to the distal endrigid portion 13. Theaccessory channel 54 is extended through theinsertion portion 12 andcontrol portion 18, and connected to theaccessory insertion inlet 20 of thecontrol portion 18. Theaccessory channel 54 serves also as an air/water supplying channel in theinsertion portion 12. Namely, in thecontrol portion 18, thechannel tube 56 is branched, and one of the branched tubes is connected to theaccessory insertion inlet 20, and the other is inserted through theuniversal cable 28 and connected to the air/water supplying apparatus. - The bending
portion 14 is bent to two directions with different radius of curvatures. Theaccessory channel 54 is arranged to be placed outside when bending with a small radius of curvature. Namely, theaccessory channel 54 is placed underside in the transverse cross-section of theinsertion portion 12. Therefore, when the bendingportion 14 is bent with a small radius of curvature, the radius of curvature of theaccessory channel 54 does not become so small. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , theaccessory channel 54 andobjective lens system 50 are arranged in the transverse cross-section of the distal endrigid portion 13, so that the distance between the central axis of theaccessory channel 54 andobjective lens system 50 becomes short in a bending direction. Namely, theaccessory channel 54 andobjective lens system 50 are not arranged adjacent in the vertical direction, and theobjective lens system 50 is arranged in the upper left of theaccessory channel 54. Therefore, the projected position of the accessory from theaccessory channel 54 comes closer to the central axis of theobjective lens system 50, and the accessory comes closer to the center of observation view field in the observation view field. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , inside theinsertion tube portion 16,stopper members 58 to prevent twisting of the built-inmembers insertion tube portion 16. The stopper member has a thick cylindrical shape including projections and depressions on the inside surface. The built-inmembers stopper member 58 may be provided along the total length of theinsertion tube portion 16, or the built-inmembers - The inside diameter of the
insertion tube portion 16 is gradually increased from the distal end side to the proximal end side. Therefore, in the proximal end side of theinsertion tube portion 16, a clearance between the inside surface of the insertion tube and the built-inmembers - Next, an explanation will be given on the function of the
endoscope insertion portion 12 according to the embodiment. - Referring to
FIG. 6A , when bending the bendingportion 14 in the upward direction, the bendingoperation knob 24 is operated, and theupward operation wire 36 a is moved backward. As a result, the distal end sideflat portion 44 a of the distal end side wire guide 40 a abuts the proximal end sideflat portion 44 b of the proximal endside wire guide 40 b, and both wire guides are connected. When theupward operation wire 36 a is moved further backward, the distal end side wire guide 40 a and proximal endside wire guide 40 b function as a tension rod. Therefore, the bendingportion 14 is not bent in the proximal end side where the distal end side wire guide 40 a is provided, and bent in the distal end side where the distal end wire guide 40 a is not provided. In this way, the bendingportion 14 is bent upward with a relatively small radius of curvature. - Referring to
FIG. 6B , when bending the bendingportion 14 in the downward direction, the bendingoperation knob 24 is operated, and thedownward operation wire 36 b is moved backward, and thewhole bending portion 14 is bend in the downward direction. In this time, the distal end side wire guide 40 a is moved following the bendingpart 30 fixed to the distal end side wire guide 40 a without being pulled by the proximal endside wire guide 40 b, and the distal end side wire guide 40 a is not moved toward the central axis of the bendingportion 14. In this way, the bendingportion 14 is bent downward with a relatively large radius of curvature. - The distal end side wire guide 40 a is not configured to be pushed into the
insertion portion 12, and does not generate a repulsive force against push. Therefore, the bendingportion 14 is not unnecessarily bent by the repulsive force. - When the bending
portion 14 is bent, the built-inmembers rigid portion 13 are moved forward and backward in the axial direction of theinsertion portion 12 inside theinsertion portion 12. As the inside diameter of theinsertion tube portion 16 is gradually increased from the distal end side to the proximal end side and the clearance between the inside surface of the insertion tube and the built-inmembers members insertion portion 12. As twisting of the built-inmembers stopper member 58 in theinsertion tube portion 16, the built-inmembers members insertion portion 12. - When treating an affected part under endoscopic observation, the
accessory 59 is inserted into theaccessory insertion inlet 20, passed through theaccessory channel 54, and then the distal end of theaccessory 59 is projected from the distal endrigid portion 13. When the bendingportion 14 is bent upward, the radius of curvature of the bendingportion 14 becomes relatively small, but as theaccessory channel 54 is placed outside, the radius of curvature of theaccessory channel 54 becomes not so small. Therefore, theaccessory 59 can be inserted smoothly from the proximal end side to the distal end side of the bendingportion 14 and, when the bendingportion 14 is bent with the accessory 59 inserted through the bending portion, excessive force is not applied to theaccessory 59. - The distal end portion of the
accessory 59 is projected from the distal endrigid portion 13, and the treatment is performed while theaccessory 59 and the affected part are observed. The inside diameter of theaccessory channel 54 is greater than the outside diameter of theaccessory 59, and when the bendingportion 14 is bent, theaccessory 59 is not projected parallel toward the central axis of theinsertion portion 12 and obliquely projected by the force of the accessory 59 returning itself straight. When the bendingportion 14 is bent downward and theaccessory channel 54 is placed inside, theaccessory 59 is projected close to the center of the observation view field of theobjective lens system 50 arranged more inside than the accessory channel 54 (FIG. 6B ). On the other hand, when the bendingportion 14 is bent upward and theaccessory channel 54 is placed outside, theaccessory 59 is projected separating from the center of the observation view field of the objective lens system 50 (FIG. 6A ). The distance between the central axis of theaccessory channel 54 and objective lens system is short in the bending direction, and the projected position of the accessory 59 from theaccessory channel 54 closes to the central axis of theobjective lens system 50. Therefore, even if theaccessory 59 is projected separating from the center of the observation view field of theobjective lens system 50, theaccessory 59 is not extremely separated from the center of the observation view field. - The
endoscope insertion portion 12 according to the embodiment provides the following effects. - In the
endoscope insertion portion 12 according to the embodiment, when the bendingportion 14 is bent by moving theupward operation wire 36 a backward, the distal end sideflat portion 44 a and proximal end sideflat portion 44 b abut to each other, and the distal end side wire guide 40 a functions as a tension rod and prevents bending of the bendingportion 14. When the upward operation wire is moved forward, the distal end side wire guide 40 a is moved without being pulled by the proximal endside wire guide 40 b, and the distal end side wire guide 40 a is prevented from moving toward the central axis of the bendingportion 14. Further, the distal end side wire guide 40 a is not configured to be pushed into theinsertion portion 12, and the bendingportion 14 is prevented from being unnecessarily bent by a repulsive force against push generated in the distal end side wire guide 40 a. In theendoscope insertion portion 12 according to the embodiment, necessary and appropriate bending operation is possible, and the built-inmembers - The distal end side
flat portion 44 a and proximal end sideflat portion 44 b abutting to each other are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of theupward operation wire 36 a, and they are rarely displaced when abutting to each other, compared with the case where they are inclined to the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the tension rod function of the distal end side wire guide 40 a and proximal endside wire guide 40 b is sufficiently ensured. - The distal end side
flat portion 44 a and proximal end sideflat portion 44 b are formed by using solder or adhesive, and an attachment mechanism can be omitted, compared with the case where these portions are formed by attaching a separate member to the distal end side wire guide 40 a and proximal endside wire guide 40 b. Therefore, upsizing of the distal end sideflat portion 44 a and proximal end sideflat portion 44 b can be avoided. - Particularly, when the
wire guide 40 is made of a coil sheath, if the coil sheath is simply cut, the cut portion of the wire is exposed, and the cut portion of the coil sheath cannot be used for the abutting portion. In contrast, an optimum abutting portion can be obtained by applying solder or adhesive to a portion of a coil sheath, hardening the solder or adhesive, cutting this portion, and processing the cut surface to be flat. - The inside diameter of the
insertion tube portion 16 is gradually increased from the distal end side to the proximal end side, and the clearance between the inside surface of the insertion tube and the built-inmembers insertion tube portion 16. Further, in theinsertion tube portion 16, thestopper member 58 is used to prevent twisting of the built-inmembers portion 14 is bent, the built-inmembers insertion portion 12, mutual friction of the built-inmembers members members - The
accessory channel 54 is placed outside when the bendingportion 14 is bent with a small radius of curvature, and the radius of curvature of theaccessory channel 54 does not become so small. Therefore, when the bendingportion 14 is bent, theaccessory 59 can be inserted smoothly, and excessive force is not applied to theaccessory 59. - The distance between the central axis of the
accessory channel 54 andobjective lens system 50 is short in the bending direction. When the bendingportion 14 is bent and theaccessory channel 54 is placed outside, theaccessory 59 is projected separating from the center of the observation view field of theobjective lens system 50, but as the projected position of the accessory 59 from theaccessory channel 54 is close to the central axis of theobjective lens system 50, theaccessory 59 is not greatly separated from the center of the observation view field. Therefore, theaccessory 59 can be visually confirmed securely. - In the embodiment, when the bending
portion 14 is bent with a small radius of curvature, theaccessory channel 54 is placed outside, and the radius of curvature of theaccessory channel 54 does not becomes so small. Instead, theimage guide 52 may be arranged to be placed outside when the bendingportion 14 is bent with a small radius of curvature, so that the radius of curvature of theimage guide 52 does not become so small. In this case, it is possible to protect theimage guide 52, which is relatively easily damaged by the bending and the function is degraded by the damage. -
FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the invention. The components having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numbers, and explanation will be omitted. - In the embodiment, as the distal end side abutting portion and the proximal end side abutting portion, a distal
end engaging portion 60 a and a proximalend engaging portion 60 b abutting and engaging to each other are used. These distal endside engaging portion 60 a and proximal endside engaging portion 60 b are formed by providing a substantially cylindrical distal endside engaging member 62 a and proximal endside engaging member 62 b as a distal end side abutting member and a proximal end side abutting member, respectively over the proximal end of the distal end side wire guide 40 a and the distal end of the proximal endside wire guide 40 b and fixing them thereto. The proximal end of the distal endside engaging portion 60 a is shaped like a semicircular projection, and the distal end of the proximal endside engaging portion 60 b is shaped like a semicircular recession. When theupward operation wire 36 a is moved backward, the projection and recession are engaged to each other, and the wire guides 40 a and 40 b are connected. - The
endoscope insertion portion 12 according to the embodiment provides the following effects. - In the
endoscope insertion portion 12 according to the embodiment, the distal endside engaging portion 60 a and proximal endside engaging portion 60 b are engaged to each other when abutting, and the distal endside engaging portion 60 a and proximal endside engaging portion 60 b are sufficiently prevented from being displaced when abutting. Therefore, the function as a tension rod of the distal end side wire guide 40 a and proximal endside wire guide 40 b is ensured. - As the distal end
side engaging portion 60 a and proximal endside engaging portion 60 b are formed by providing the distal endside engaging member 62 a and proximal endside engaging member 62 b, respectively at the ends of the distal end side wire guide 40 a and proximal endside wire guide 40 b, complex shaped distal endside engaging portion 60 a and proximal endside engaging portion 60 b can be easily formed. -
FIG. 8 shows a modification of the second embodiment of the invention. In this modification, the proximal end of the distal endside engaging portion 60 a is shaped like a triangular projection, and the distal end of the proximal endside engaging portion 60 b is shaped like a triangular recession. Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (10)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2006173982A JP4242881B2 (en) | 2006-06-23 | 2006-06-23 | Endoscope insertion part |
JP2006-173982 | 2006-06-23 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20070299311A1 true US20070299311A1 (en) | 2007-12-27 |
US7942815B2 US7942815B2 (en) | 2011-05-17 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/765,854 Active 2029-09-13 US7942815B2 (en) | 2006-06-23 | 2007-06-20 | Endoscope insertion portion with a two wire bending portion |
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US (1) | US7942815B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1870017B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4242881B2 (en) |
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US20130112457A1 (en) * | 2010-08-23 | 2013-05-09 | Olympus Corporation | Wire guide member |
US20150366436A1 (en) * | 2013-02-22 | 2015-12-24 | Ambu A/S | Apparatus for maintaining a tensioned pull-wire in an endoscope |
US20210106213A1 (en) * | 2018-06-08 | 2021-04-15 | Olympus Corporation | Endoscope |
US11166627B2 (en) | 2018-01-26 | 2021-11-09 | Ambu A/S | Method for fixation of a wire portion of an endoscope, and an endoscope |
US11291355B2 (en) | 2018-01-19 | 2022-04-05 | Ambu A/S | Method for fixation of a wire portion of an endoscope, and an endoscope |
US11553833B2 (en) | 2017-03-08 | 2023-01-17 | Ambu A/S | Handle for an endoscope |
US11642014B2 (en) | 2017-03-08 | 2023-05-09 | Ambu A/S | Handle for an endoscope |
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US11553833B2 (en) | 2017-03-08 | 2023-01-17 | Ambu A/S | Handle for an endoscope |
US11642014B2 (en) | 2017-03-08 | 2023-05-09 | Ambu A/S | Handle for an endoscope |
US11291355B2 (en) | 2018-01-19 | 2022-04-05 | Ambu A/S | Method for fixation of a wire portion of an endoscope, and an endoscope |
US11832792B2 (en) | 2018-01-19 | 2023-12-05 | Ambu A/S | Method for fixation of a wire portion of an endoscope, and an endoscope |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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JP4242881B2 (en) | 2009-03-25 |
JP2008000437A (en) | 2008-01-10 |
US7942815B2 (en) | 2011-05-17 |
EP1870017A1 (en) | 2007-12-26 |
EP1870017B1 (en) | 2013-04-24 |
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